Following the sighting of the crescent moon on Tuesday, Saudi Arabia announced that Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, will start on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. For Muslims worldwide, this marks a period of fasting, prayer, and reflection. The duration of the fast, observed from dawn to dusk, will vary significantly depending on geographic location, ranging from approximately 12 to 15 hours.
Ramadan is a deeply spiritual time for Muslims, commemorating the month when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad over 1,400 years ago. Beyond abstaining from food and drink during daylight hours, the fast entails refraining from smoking and sexual relations, with the aim of cultivating greater “taqwa,” or consciousness of God. The observance of Ramadan is determined by the lunar Hijri calendar, leading to shifts in the Gregorian calendar date each year.
A Shifting Calendar and Fasting Hours
The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, resulting in months that alternate between 29 and 30 days. Which means Ramadan begins roughly 10 to 12 days earlier each year. A unique astronomical event is anticipated in 2030, when Ramadan will be observed twice within the same year, beginning on January 5 and again on December 26, due to the difference between the lunar and solar years – a discrepancy of approximately 11 days.
For the majority of the world’s population residing in the Northern Hemisphere, the fasting hours during this year’s Ramadan will be comparatively shorter. This trend will continue until 2031, when Ramadan will coincide with the winter solstice, marking the shortest day of the year. Conversely, Muslims living south of the equator will experience longer fasting periods than in previous years.
Regional Variations in Fasting Times
The length of the daily fast is directly tied to the number of daylight hours, which varies considerably across the globe. In the Northern Hemisphere, where it is currently winter, Muslims will generally experience shorter fasts, lasting around 12 to 13 hours on the first day of Ramadan, with the duration gradually increasing throughout the month. Those in southern regions, such as Chile, New Zealand, and South Africa, will observe longer fasts, approximately 14 to 15 hours on the first day, which will also decrease as the month progresses.
Specific fasting times, including the times for *suhoor* (the pre-dawn meal) and *iftar* (the meal to break the fast), will vary by city. An interactive table detailing these times for locations around the world is available here.
Traditions and Greetings
Ramadan is not only a time for personal spiritual discipline but also for communal gatherings and charitable acts. Muslim-majority nations have distinct greetings for the month, with “Ramadan Mubarak” and “Ramadan Kareem” being the most widely used, conveying wishes for a blessed and generous Ramadan, respectively.
The determination of the start of Ramadan often involves the sighting of the crescent moon, a practice that can lead to variations in observance across different regions. While Saudi Arabia announced the start of Ramadan on February 18 based on moon sighting, other communities may rely on astronomical calculations or local sightings to confirm the beginning of the month.
As Ramadan approaches, Muslims around the world are preparing for a month of heightened spiritual focus and community. Further updates on Ramadan observances and related events will be available from religious leaders and community organizations in the coming days.
We encourage readers to share their own experiences and reflections on Ramadan in the comments below.
